Auto academy to showcase corral of classic cars

Not many students in academic programs get a chance to participate in professional-style events in addition to the learning process and classes.

One local high school is doing just that.

The second annual Park Vista Auto Show is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdayat Park Vista Community High School, 7900 Jog Road, west of Boynton Beach.

A 1957 Chevy and a 2008 Mustang Cobra are among the 400 expected cars set to be on display at the show. Last year, the show had 193 cars on display, and the school is trying to double that number this year.

For a $10 registration donation, residents can bring their cars out to be showcased. All proceeds benefit the automotive program at the school. Registration is $15 the day of the event.

"We already have more than 50 people registered for the event," said Steve Moldoff, the school's automotive program chairman and event organizer.

Park Vista's automotive academy has four instructors, each of whom has more than 100 students per class. The academy has 18 bays and a full auto shop.

"We are the only automotive academy in Palm Beach County, and we have students on waiting lists to get into the program," Moldoff said.

Students like Silviu Caran, 18, want to take the knowledge from the academy and use it in a career in the automotive field.

"Cars are a hobby of mine, and I hope they can be more than that one day," he said. "I want to take this experience and enroll in an automotive college next year in Ohio or Orlando."

James Loriol, 17, came from an automotive family before studying in the academy.

"My stepdad, Joe, and grandfather, Albert, were both in the automotive field," he said. "Everything we learn here is step-by-step. We learn the basics, like oil changes and tire rotations. Next year my class gets into suspension."

Moldoff, 38, said financial support for the program is only one reason for his efforts.

He said the show provides hands-on opportunities for students so they can see the connection between the classroom and the real world.

Awards will be presented in multiple categories, including domestic and foreign cars, trucks and SUVs as well as classic cars.

School officials said they hope to encourage more participation from area car dealers as well.

Principal Reggie Myers said the show not only benefits the school but the surrounding community as well.

Myers said the show is an opportunity for the students and teachers to network and build partnerships with automotive professionals so that the needs of the automotive industry are addressed in the school's program.